Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head Softball Coach leads and develops a competitive NCAA Division III women’s softball program that operates within the parameters established by Hanover College, the conference, and the NCAA. This position ensures an excellent student-athlete experience focused on competitive excellence, academic success, wellness, character development, and inclusive excellence while engaging alumni, families, and the broader community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. PROGRAM LEADERSHIP, COMPLIANCE, AND OPERATIONS
- Plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of the program in compliance with Hanover College, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.
- Schedule contests and practice times and coordinate opponent scouting and game and practice preparation.
- Initiate and manage in-season and off-season conditioning programs consistent with NCAA Division III standards and institutional policies.
- Attend conference coaches’ meetings and complete required campus training.
- Manage team travel, equipment purchasing and maintenance, and facility coordination to ensure a safe and efficient environment.
2. RECRUITMENT AND ROSTER MANAGEMENT
- Coordinate and process all aspects of on-campus and off-campus recruiting to attract academically strong, mission-aligned student-athletes and maintain a healthy, competitive roster each year.
- Maintain accurate recruiting and roster records for statistical analysis, benchmarking, historical tracking, and annual retention goals.
3. STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCE AND WELLNESS
- Foster a holistic and inclusive team culture emphasizing academic progress, mental health, physical well-being, and life-skill development.
- Collaborate with campus partners—including academic support, counseling services, athletic training, strength and conditioning, DEI, and Title IX—to provide proactive wellness education, timely referrals, and coordinated return-to-play processes.
- Implement evidence-informed workload management, injury-prevention strategies, and rest and recovery practices.
- Uphold safety standards for practices, travel, and competition.
4. BUDGETING AND ADMINISTRATION
- Operate within an approved budget and oversee the preparation of a detailed, itemized annual budget.
- Initiate and recommend budget adjustments that improve program quality and the student-athlete experience.
- Maintain comprehensive program records, including statistics, compliance documentation, recruiting records, travel information, equipment inventory, and historical materials.
- Prepare all required reports.
- Serve as game administrator for a limited number of dates during the off-season, as assigned.
5. EXTERNAL RELATIONS, FUNDRAISING, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Provide responsive and professional service to student-athletes, faculty, administrators, alumni, fans, parents, community members, and members of the media.
- Partner with Advancement to plan and execute fundraising initiatives—including annual giving, events, and donor stewardship—that support program needs and enhancements.
- Engage alumni and the community through clinics, camps, outreach, and service projects that elevate the program’s visibility and reputation.
6. TEACHING AND OFF-SEASON INSTRUCTION, AS ASSIGNED
- Teach a physical activity or wellness-based activity course during the off-season, subject to institutional needs and qualifications.
- Integrate sport-specific and transferable skills—including leadership, teamwork, and resilience—into instructional settings.
- Align course outcomes with departmental and institutional goals.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform general duties to ensure the quality, safety, and development of the program and the student-athlete experience.
- Maintain records for statistical analysis and historical purposes.
- Promote a positive image of Hanover College and represent the College in accordance with its mission, principles, and strategic plan.
- Support a welcoming College culture and experience.
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned based on coaching and administrative strengths.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree required.
- Master of Science or Master of Arts degree preferred.
EXPERIENCE
- NCAA Division III playing and/or coaching experience.
- Demonstrated success recruiting academically strong student-athletes who align with institutional values.
- Experience with fundraising and donor and alumni engagement.
- Experience teaching activity-based courses or facilitating wellness or leadership workshops.
- Familiarity with performance analytics, video and scouting platforms, and athlete management tools.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with diverse audiences, including students, families, colleagues, alumni, and members of the media.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and a variety of secondary assignments.
- Knowledge of NCAA Division III rules and regulations.
- Demonstrated commitment to compliance and ethical conduct.
- Commitment to student-athlete wellness, safety, and inclusive excellence.
- Budget-management, operational-planning, and data-informed decision-making skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Evening and weekend work is required during the competitive season.
- Travel is required.
- Maintain current certifications as applicable, including First Aid, CPR, AED, sport-specific credentials, driver certification, and institutional training.
- Adhere to and model Hanover College’s mission, values, and conduct expectations.
- Uphold conference and NCAA Division III philosophies.
Apply at: https://www.hanover.edu/about/employment/